Could eating more fruit keep depression at bay?

People who regularly consume a sufficient amount of fruit are more likely to report greater mental well-being and are less likely to report symptoms of depression in comparison to those who don't, according to new research findings from Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences, examining data from 428 adults.

The researchers' findings suggest that how often we consume fruit has a greater impact on our mental health than the total amount we consume during a typical week.

The team also found that people who consume salty snacks such as potato chips, which are low in nutrients, are more likely to report higher levels of anxiety, stress and depression, as well as signs of cognitive decline (such as not remembering where left the keys), as well as lower levels of mental well-being.

Lead author Nicola-Jayne Tuck commented:

"In the past, other studies have found an association between fruits and vegetables and mental health, but few have looked at fruits and vegetables separately —and even fewer have assessed both frequency and amount of intake.

Both fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber and essential micronutrients that promote optimal brain function. These nutrients, however, can be lost during cooking. Eating raw fruits could possibly explain their stronger effect on our mental health.

Changing the choice of snacks in our daily diet may be a very simple and easy way to improve our mental well-being. In general, it's definitely worth trying to get into the habit of picking a fruit from the fruit bowl."

Journal Reference:

Nicola-Jayne Tuck, Claire V. Farrow, Jason Michael Thomas. Frequency of fruit consumption and savoury snacking predict psychological health; selective mediation via cognitive failures. British Journal of Nutrition, 2022; 1 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522001660